PRPG:
Beatles and George Martin in studio in 1966

The Other Works of George Martin

March 11, 2016

George Martin passed away this week at age 90. He was best known for producing, arranging, and developing the sound of the Beatles. But his career lasted decades and he worked with dozens of acts. Here are some of the most unlikely.
Beatles and George Martin in studio in 1966

Peter Ustinov, “Mock Mozart” (1952)

After graduating college and a brief stint at the BBC, Martin joined the small Parlophone Records in 1950 as an assistant to the director, Oscar Preuss. Preuss allowed Martin to produce novelty records, including “Mock Mozart,” a classical music parody by serious British actor Peter Ustinov (featuring an appearance by 15-year-old Anthony Hopkins on the harpsichord).

George Martin Instrumentally Salutes the Beatle Girls (1966)

Martin, who arranged and created the orchestrations for Beatles songs, conducts a small orchestra who plays Beatles hits in a classical, instrumental style. All of the songs chosen are directly or indirectly about women in Beatles songs, such as “Eleanor Rigby,” “Michelle,” and “Girl.” (There’s also a version of “Yellow Submarine” for some reason.)

Yoshiki, Eternal Melody (1993)

X Japan was a popular Japanese heavy metal band…until lead singer Yoshiki released a solo album called Eternal Melody in 1993. Produced by Martin, it’s orchestral versions of X Japan’s songs.

In My Life (1998)

Only George Martin can do justice to Beatles songs arranged and produced by George Martin. That’s the concept behind this collection of Beatles covers. The singers? Not quite as much justice. Tracks include Sean Connery singing “In My Life,” comedian Billy Connolly on “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite,” and Jim Carrey doing “I Am the Walrus.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdzuR4Iunuw